NTIA ADMINISTRATOR GREGORY L. ROHDE PARTICIPATES IN NEW YORK
"DIGITAL DIVIDE" FORUM WITH CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS
AND BUSINESS LEADERS

Gregory L. Rohde, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and
administrator of NTIA, participated in a "Digital Divide" Forum in Brooklyn, New York on
April 17 that focused on the challenges faced by minority companies in efforts to close the gap
between those with access and those without access to information technologies, tools critical for
economic success and advancement.

The Forum was organized by Representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Maxine Waters (D-CA), senior members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The Forum also explored ways of
improving access to the Internet for minorities and low-income Americans. In July 1998, the
Department of Commerce issued a report, which among other things, said that minorities were
among those lacking access to information technologies.

"This event is just the beginning of our journey towards creating new opportunities for
all Americans," Rohde said. "We have a unique opportunity to take meaningful steps towards
ensuring that underserved communities do not fall behind in pursuing the valuable opportunities
created by this technological revolution," he said.

"The leadership of Congressman Towns and Congresswoman Waters on this
effort will go a long way to ensure that all Americans have an opportunity
to share in the benefits of the new electronic economy," Rohde said. "I
commend them and their colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus for
working to close the digital divide," he said.

Among those participating in the Forum were representatives from Bell Atlantic, GTE,
AT&T, New Media Technology, Netcom Technological Solutions, the Telecommunications
Development Fund, WireAmerica, Technical Career Institute, Long Island University, Fort
Greene SNAP, and Brooklyn Community School Board 13.